Brass is the traditional balisong handle material and the reason a Batangas-pattern knife feels the way it does. It is heavy for its size, so the handles carry momentum through a rollover and settle into the palm instead of chattering, and it takes a polish that deepens rather than dulls with handling. Every brass balisong here is built in our Memphis workshop with hand-fitted bolsters, pins set by hand and a latch that closes with a clean click.
Why choose brass over stainless? Weight and feel. Brass handles are heavier, which slows the swing slightly and makes the knife feel more planted in the hand. Stainless is lighter and quicker. If you are buying your first balisong to flip, most people find brass easier to control.
Does brass tarnish? Yes, and that is normal. Brass develops a warm patina from skin oils. Leave it if you like the look, or bring the shine back with a soft cloth and a little metal polish. Keep polish away from the blade etch.
What is inside the handles? Most of ours pair brass bolsters with inserts in kamagong wood, buffalo horn, ram horn, stag antler, camel bone or rose wood, so no two are identical.
Are these live blades? Yes. Every balisong we sell is sharpened and heat treated for real cutting. We do not make blunt trainers.
Legality: please check your local law before ordering.
See also wood handle balisongs and stainless steel balisongs.
